IS-929 AI meets Cybersecurity: Fundamentals (Spring 2027)

Upon successful completion of the course, the student should have solid understanding of:

•The fundamentals of cybersecurity

•The fundamentals of AI and its different categories

•The uses and benefits of AI in cybersecurity

•The abuses and dark side of AI in cybersecurity

As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, its intersection with cybersecurity presents both unprecedented opportunities and serious threats. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to the dynamic relationship between these two fields. Designed for learners from diverse backgrounds, the course unfolds across the following foundational themes:

1.Fundamentals of Cybersecurity - covering key concepts, threat models, attack types, and core principles of defense.

2.Fundamentals of AI - exploring the basics of AI, including its various categories such as machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing.

3.Uses and benefits of AI in Cybersecurity - examining how AI is transforming cybersecurity practices through applications like AI-driven threat detection and automated response.

4.Abuses and dark side of AI in Cybersecurity - This theme also explores the security vulnerabilities of AI systems themselves, including model theft, inference attacks, and the integrity of training data. This theme also covers the misuse of AI tools to execute advanced cyber-attacks.

The course is primarily self-paced, with learners engaging with different materials (text, audio, video, etc.) and actively participating in live online lectures, aligned with each of the coursemain themes. These lectures provide a platform for discussing and reflecting on the theme of the day, as well as engaging in hands-on group activities. The course is ideal for professionals, students, and enthusiasts seeking foundational knowledge in both cybersecurity and AI, with a focus on their convergence.